Loretto presents “Crybaby”

“Misery, agony, helplessness, hopelessness, heartache, and woe” were all far from what the audience was feeling as they watch Loretto Academy’s vivacious production of CRYBABY. Based on the 1990 film of the same name, this John Water’s toe-tapper follows the story of Allison Vernon Williams and Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker as they face the societal expectations of a satirized 1950’s Baltimore. A good-girl “square” and bad-boy “drape” respectively, the two fall madly in love, allowing for cross-cultural conflict and hilarious hi-jinks to ensue. Combined with the musical’s myriad catchy tunes, the show made for a night-well spent with the “Angels in the Wings” Theatre Company and their many technical achievements, vocal performances, and impressive portrayals.

First off, the technical aspects of the show were very well done, giving the crew a reason to feel accomplished. The lights were never too dark, the sound was commendably subtle, and the props and sets perfectly encapsulated the era. One of my favorite aspects was the car that two of the characters shared a scene in. It looked so much like the iconic 50’s car, and was fully functional, leaving me overjoyed to just have seen it. Though all of the crew did an admirable job, one crew member, Sarah Oberman, appears to have gone above and beyond for the production. Working as Stage Manager, helping with lights and props, running sound, and doing the publicity work for the show, she must have had her hands full; all of her jobs were successfully done, and for that she has my praise.

Acting wise, the whole cast has such wonderful energy, and all appeared to genuinely be having fun as they stood on stage. The two leads, Deanne Sophia Aoun (Allison) and Blake Oaxaca (Crybaby), did a charming job in their roles. Aoun, with a beautiful singing voice and convincing good-girl persona, commanded the stage in each of her scenes. In the title role, Oaxaca was believable as the orphaned and misunderstood delinquent, with a smolder that never faltered throughout the show.

Another standout performance was by Dominic Palisoc in the role of Baldwin Blandish, the “squeaky clean” boyfriend with malicious intentions. Palisoc was hilarious in almost every scene and had a wonderful singing voice to match it. His posse of square Barbershop singers, the Whiffles (Mario Gonzales, Emiliano Reyes, and Zachary Monarez-Grass) were so eclectic and in-synch on numbers such as “Thanks For the Nifty Country” that I couldn’t help but smile each time they appeared.

Also notable was Isabella Noe as the delinquent “Hatchet-face”. With perfect comedic timing and an unmatched sass, Noe made the audience fall in love with the girl who’s “ugly on the inside and out”. However, the standout in this production for me would have to be Danielle Leydon as stalker Lenora. Her crazy actions were uproariously portrayed, and her vocal ability was perhaps the best in the show.

Overall, Loretto academy put on a musical that did everything a musical should do: leave me with tapping feet, a song in my head, and a smile on my face. With few areas that the show faltered, CRYBABY had me crying tears of joy!

by Sarah Lovett of Coronado High School
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Crybaby, a swinging 1950’s themed love story between the city bad boy and the neighborhood sweetheart, inspired by the film by John Waters, was wonderfully executed by Loretto’s theater group, Angels in the Wings Theater Co. Between the talented and lively band that had the audience tapping to the beat and nodding their heads, and the talented cast’s vocals– the show was a sublime one.

With trumpets, drums guitar and a gorgeous piano the live music was a key element that gave the show a little extra pizazz. This is the first I’ve see live music paired up with a high school play. It added a novel quality to the show and with the extremely talented musicians playing it made the performance one of a kind. Another thing that swept the audience away to the lively town of Baltimore was that part of the cast started in the audience and were in perfect character the whole time. Mona “Hatchet-Face” Malnorowiski, a rebel with a disfigured face and plenty of attitude, played by the talented Isabella Noe not only performed the character, but was actually the character herself. When she sat in the audience her playful dialogue with her peers had giggles spreading throughout the audience. She never missed a beat swinging her hips and snapping to the rhythm

The lead duo, Allison Vernon Williams and Wade “Crybaby” Walker, performed by Deane Sophia Aoun and Blake Oaxaca, made a handsome couple as they harmonized in playful duets and unraveled their story of romance to the audience. The female protagonist, Lenora as presented by Danielle Leydon, had splendid vocals and character. There wasn’t a note she missed. This young actress and singer was obviously having the time of her life on stage. Her fellow cast members also shared her enjoyment, and nothing makes a show better than a cast who is having fun doing what they do.

Loretto put on a successfully entertaining and playful show. This has been the only play that I have seen that has been accompanied by live professional music. To add on to the multiple things that made this performance an amazing one the cast was filled with talented actors who never broke out of character, and lovely vocals that made you want to sing along with them. The directors who tag-teamed this project, Mrs. Cortez and Ms. Wages, did a superb job in their choices and I believe a special appreciation for them and the musical director Billy Townes is needed. Loretto has much to offer in their theater and their musical Crybaby shows what they have to give.

Mike Hamilton

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The El Paso Cappies Blog is here to provide information about high school theater in El Paso. We will be providing reviews of shows past and previews of shows to come. Most of our content will be student generated.